40 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect & When to Expect Labor

Question
Hi. I am 23 years old. I have 2 kids going on the 3rd. My last menstrual period was March 17, 2005.I am at 40 wks of my pregnancy.I am have dialated 5 centimeters, but my OB told me that my cervix is still pretty thick. my due date is Dec 22, 2005.I just lost my mucous plug (without any blood) December 20, 2005 at 6am. Does this mean that in a couple of hours I will go into labor?  

Answer
Loss of the mucus plug merely means that labor will start soon. It does not mean it will be couple of hours. It can still be a few days. YOu are due in two days and can go into labor at any time. When you have contractions that occur every 6-8 minutes (from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next) call the doctor. If your break your water, go to the hospital immediately. You are already 5cm dilated but not fully effaced. However, for the third child, it can go rapidly. With any hint of labor starting, get to the hospital. I would have admitted you at 5 cm and let you wait in the hospital until you go into labor, or I would have induced your labor. I think that, if your doctor breaks your water, you will deliver soon. Good Luck.